Space News Mission Log — Satellite Launches, Orbital Events & Analysis
Daily space news, satellite launch reports, orbital debris analysis and weekly roundups — grounded in live tracking data from our network monitoring 23 published reports.
Understanding Satellite Look Angles: Azimuth and Elevation Explained
Satellite look angles, including azimuth and elevation, are crucial for tracking and communication. Learn how these angles are measured and their significance.
Satellite Radio Propagation: Finding the Best Contact Times
A satellite’s position is only part of a successful radio link. Learn how to interpret propagation heatmaps alongside pass predictions, space weather and your station’s limits.
Groundlink: Your Free Satellite Look Angle Calculator
Discover how Orbital Radar's Groundlink tool offers precise satellite look-angle calculations, accessible for free in your browser.
Artemis III Progress and Close Satellite Approaches Mark Key Developments
Artemis III SLS stacking progresses while close satellite approaches are monitored. Space weather remains stable.
This Week in Orbit: 10,038 Starlinks and a Moon Push
China and SpaceX added to their constellations, NASA advanced its lunar lander plans, and close-approach tracking highlighted the distinction between proximity and collision risk.
MMX heads for Mars: Orbital Briefing, 22 October 2026
MMX has launched on its journey towards Mars, while close approaches keep orbital traffic under scrutiny. Starlink and Chinese launches lead the next events to watch.
Why Is Landing on Mars So Hard?
Mars has enough atmosphere to threaten an arriving spacecraft, but not enough to land it safely with a parachute alone. Every landing must solve both problems autonomously.
Juno Reveals Jupiter's Wavy Magnetodisk on 14 October 2026
Juno spacecraft data reveals Jupiter's wavy magnetodisk. Close satellite approaches and space weather updates.
SpaceX Crew-12 Returns as Close Approaches Increase
SpaceX Crew-12 prepares for splashdown, while satellite close approaches highlight growing space traffic concerns.
ESA Eyes Crew Transport as Tianhui Satellites Near Miss
ESA announces plans for crew transport amid close approaches of Tianhui satellites. 15,752 active satellites in orbit.
Curiosity's Selfie: A Martian Panorama
Curiosity's selfie on Mars' Vera Rubin Ridge offers a stunning panorama, showcasing the rover's exploration and the Martian landscape.
Galileo FOC: Europe's navigation constellation
Europe's Galileo FOC satellites carry atomic clocks around Earth at roughly 23,222 kilometres altitude, providing the timing signals behind independent European navigation and positioning services.